Pre A-level

Why choose to study the Pre A-level Programme at Earlscliffe?

The Pre A-Level curriculum is designed to prepare international students for the academic and language demands of A-level study.

It provides a foundation in key subjects while building the English language skills needed for success in a British classroom

  • The programme may be taken for one term, two terms or the whole academic year.
  • Academic studies are dedicated to 50% English language learning
  • The remaining time is spent studying subjects such as mathematics, science, business and art.
  • This balanced approach helps students gain confidence, adapt to new learning styles and develop subject knowledge, ensuring a smooth transition to the full A-level programme.

 Programme comprises of :

  • Small groups
  • English plus academic subjects
  • Designed for international students
  • UK Year 11 equivalent for ages 15+
  • English language development
  • Physical education
  • Personal, social and health education
  • Academic enrichment opportunities

(UK National Curriculum: key stage 4 )

Pre-A-Level students participate in the Earlscliffe Induction Days in September. This includes both academic and social orientation, as well as team-building excursions. Students participate fully in sports and community activities, academic enrichment opportunities and everyday school life during their time here. They study and socialise alongside all other Earlsciffe students.

Pre-A-Level students take A-level taster lessons at the end of their second term, in order to help them make decisions on which A-level subjects they wish to study in the following academic year. They are fully supported in making their decisions, and their parents are involved as well.

Course Content

  • English Language – either as a First Language or Second Language. Students who study English as a First Language will also study English Literature.
  • Mathematics – either the Higher or Foundation tier
  • A dual science award
  • One Humanities subject – Art, Business Studies, Geography, History or Statistics
  • Native language – we can offer GCSE tuition and exams in many languages including, but not limited to, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.

Our course content has been designed to provide the students with a broad, balanced curriculum. It has also been designed for students who may return back to their national educational system.

Small class sizes and intensive teaching

Even in the most popular subjects we insist on small classes. The reason for having small classes is very simple. The greater the amount of individual attention that the student receives, the greater the chances are that the student will achieve better grades. In a small class, teachers are able to get to know the students. Everybody is given the opportunity to contribute. In addition, small classes create safe environments in which students are more willing to participate and ask questions.

Class sizes average at around 7 students. This means some subject choices have classes which only have 3 students and others are above average due to their popularity. When a class reaches a maximum of 12-13 students we will look to open a new class for that subject.

In our rigorous and well-structured lessons, meaningful and positive relationships are built, a determined work ethic is created and each student achieves their full potential.

English language support

EAP (English for Academic Purposes) is a fundamental part of our school. The individual English language needs of each student are taken into account by their teacher and lessons are planned accordingly.

Our teachers are very experienced with EAP and they employ a wide range of methods to help support the development of the students’ English language skills. The specifics of the support will depend very much on each students’ needs and the course they are doing. For example, GCSE students may have to read works of fiction and produce book reports, whereas A-level students will have to learn subject-specific terminology, in context, and take part in frequent vocabulary tests.

Homework

Homework is completed in the evenings and at weekends. Students are allocated at least two hours each evening as quiet study time in their rooms, which is supervised by their House Managers. While many students do less homework on Saturdays, almost all students use Sundays to do some serious, extended study in their own time.

 

Sample Timetable

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
0830 – 0900 Group Tutor
0900 – 0945 P1 English English Maths Computer Science English
0945 – 1030 P2 English English Maths Computer Science English
1030 – 1045 Break
1045 – 1130 P3 Maths Maths English English Combined Science
1130 – 1215 P4 Maths Maths English English Combined Science
1215 – 1300 P5 LUNCH
1300 – 13.45 P6 Computer Science Computer Science SCS PSHE Combined Science
1345 – 1430 P7 Computer Science Computer Science SCS PSHE Combined Science
1430 – 1500 Break and Group Tutor
1500 – 1545 P8 English Combined Science Combined Science Maths Sport
1545 – 1630 P9 English Combined Science Combined Science Maths Sport
1630 – 17:15 P10 Meetings, teaching or clubs 

SCS = Sports Culture Service; Student chooses from a list of options e.g; book club, baking, photography, public speaking etc

PSHE = Personal, Social, Health Education

Sport = Compulsory session for GCSE level students.

 

Teaching hours – per week – Each period = 45mins

  • English – 9
  • Combined Science – 6
  • Maths – 6
  • Extra subject – 4.5
  • Other – 4.5